Daruma
The daruma is a Japanese folk toy. Bodhidharma, an Buddhist priest from India, lived during the sixth century. He meditated for nine years, remaining immobile the entire time. His arms and legs withered away and dropped off, but Bodhidharma never lost his concentration. The bodiless head of the daruma toy represents that perseverance, that sense of patience and determination.
You are supposed to blacken in one eye of the daruma when you make your wish and when -- patiently and persistently -- you bring that desire to fruition, you are supposed to darken the other eye. Mine is a gift from friends recently returned from Japan (thank you very much) and it sits on my shelf now with all my other warrior and spiritual totems. I've given him a left eye with which to watch over me as I follow through on my request.
